Namaj-e-janaza of AK Khandkar held

The namaj-e-janaza of Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Liberation War and first Chief of Air Staff Air Vice-Marshal (Retd) Abdul Karim Khandkar, Bir Uttam, was held at BAF Base Bashar Parade Ground in the city on Sunday afternoon.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus joined the namaj-e-janaza conducted by Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Base Bashar central mosque Imam, reports BSS.

Advisers of the interim government, chiefs of three services, senior civil and military officials as well as armed forces members also joined the funeral prayers.

Prior to the namaj-e-janaza, pallbearers slow marched the coffin to the stage while funeral parade was also held giving a state salute to AK Khandkar.

BAF Biman Secretary Air Vice Marshal Abdullah Al Mamun read out the biography of AK Khandaker while AK Khandaker's son Jafrul Karim Khandaker spoke on the occasion. After the namaj-e-janaza, on behalf of the President, his Military Secretary paid homage to AK Khandaker by placing a wreath on his coffin.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also paid glowing tributes to AK Khandaker by placing another wreath on his coffin.

Later, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan also paid homage to one of the organizers of the Liberation War AK Khandaker.

A fly past with three BAF helicopters was also displayed paying homage to AK Khandaker.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bir Uttam AK Khandker, hailing his unparalleled leadership in the Liberation War and his lasting contributions to Bangladesh's nation-building.

In a condolence message, Touhid described AK Khandker as one of the foremost heroic commanders of the Great Liberation War whose leadership, courage and strategic acumen played a decisive role in securing Bangladesh's independence.